Body
CO 24 st. This includes 22 stitches of the stitch pattern plus 2 selvedge sts used for seaming. You can k the first st and slip the last st of every row, k the first and last st of every row or use any other selvedge st you wish.
Begin working pat.Keeping to pat, inc 1 st at each end every 8th row 4 times (32 sts).
Cont in pat as established until piece measures 11.5" total.Keeping to pat, dec 1 st at each end every 8th row 4 times (24 sts).Work even for another 8 rows. Mark each side of row.

FlapKeeping to pat, dec 1 st at each end every other row 10 times (4 sts).
P one row.
K2tog twice.
P2tog. Cut yarn and draw through loop.

Closure Loop
Use tail from flap as a loop over a button to close. You can also use I-Cord or a crochet chain. If you knit the handle from different yarn, you can also use a loop of that yarn as a closure. Sew loop in place.

Handle
With same or different yarn, CO 3 st.
K1, P1, K1.
Rep to desired length.